The DMV rapper Substantial has been ripping mics for years. Starting with the self made label U.V. Ink, he began making his mark on the game. His debut solo did well everywhere but particularly in Japan where he hit the Top 10. This success set off a career touring Asia that led the emcee to touch down in Taiwan, China, Japan and more -- not to mention Europe and almost all of North America. As things began to get busier he linked with QN5 to focus solely on artistic creation. His collaborations have been equally profound including work with the legendary DJ Kool Herc, Bootsy Collins, Chew Fu, Cunninlynguists, and even an appearance on Bruce Kulick's (of KISS) album alongside all-star rocker Gene Simmons.

For his newest album Substantial enlisted the help of executive producer Oddisee who also mixed the record and contributed a large portion of the production. And that's just the start -- no wonder they call him Substantial.